It's been awhile, I know. I lost my energy to write while I was fighting the flu and bronchitis. As I was getting over that, I was playing catch up to get ready for Christmas and then spent the last week celebrating with church activities, family, and friends. Although I feel it's important for me to write to help me keep focus, somehow, I felt lately is was important for me to spend the energy that I had taking advantage of every opportunity I had to celebrate.
A quick review of events-
While I was sick, I don't know what I would have done without the unfailing love and care my husband gave me. My son also showed a great deal of care and concern- moreso than an 18 year old tends to at times. In fact, a change seems to have occurred in him. His response to things is different and he seems to be more responsible and more at peace in situations. This is an answer to prayers and ended up being the greatest gift I experienced this Christmas.
I missed the Messiah I had mentioned several times. I was really sad about that and about missing my family that day. But, if I had my choice, I'd rather I missed it than my uncle. It was a great day for so many who enjoyed watching or performing and for that I am happy.
This week has been a whirlwind of family and friends. I feel very blessed when I spend time with my family and with my husband's family. We genuinely love and care about each other. I feel sad for families that don't have that. And, I realize that it's a beautiful gift to have so many people fill a house with love and laughter.
2 beautiful Christmas Eve services followed a great Sunday service. I love being at church during the Christmas season and seeing the seats filled. I wish that was always the case, but if even just a few continue coming after Christmas then that's a good thing. Sometimes, they just need a little reminder that church is the place to be on Sunday morning.
I started a new tradition this year which I was really excited about. A couple from church told me about it and gave me a book called Christmas Jars. It was a great thing for me and I can't wait to continue the tradition year after year. If you want to know more than that, you have to read the book. You'll want to do it too!
Today, I had a youth event. It was actually a girl's day- It's All About You! We spent the morning focusing on the friends and people who influence us. We looked at whether they were a positive influence- a Barnabas, Silas, or Timothy in our lives (a mentor, peer, or person we mentor). This afternoon, we talked about guys, relationships, and our self image. We had a lot of great discussion and I didn't even show half of the video clips I had because we were so busy talking! How is it that God has given me the gift of letting these girls trust me with such discussions? I am humbled to be a leader for things like this. And, I am grateful. The day was long and the topics were at times intense. But, it all went well even though I didn't feel as prepared as I could have been. Of course, I had more info than needed and I knew God would lead me through the day so I had nothing to worry about.
All in all, even though I spent a few days whining-alot!- I have spent the last couple weeks feeling very blessed, very loved, and seeing God in so many new and wonderful ways. As we celebrate His birth and look ahead to a new year, I hope you can say the same.
Blessings,
Jennifer
A quick review of events-
While I was sick, I don't know what I would have done without the unfailing love and care my husband gave me. My son also showed a great deal of care and concern- moreso than an 18 year old tends to at times. In fact, a change seems to have occurred in him. His response to things is different and he seems to be more responsible and more at peace in situations. This is an answer to prayers and ended up being the greatest gift I experienced this Christmas.
I missed the Messiah I had mentioned several times. I was really sad about that and about missing my family that day. But, if I had my choice, I'd rather I missed it than my uncle. It was a great day for so many who enjoyed watching or performing and for that I am happy.
This week has been a whirlwind of family and friends. I feel very blessed when I spend time with my family and with my husband's family. We genuinely love and care about each other. I feel sad for families that don't have that. And, I realize that it's a beautiful gift to have so many people fill a house with love and laughter.
2 beautiful Christmas Eve services followed a great Sunday service. I love being at church during the Christmas season and seeing the seats filled. I wish that was always the case, but if even just a few continue coming after Christmas then that's a good thing. Sometimes, they just need a little reminder that church is the place to be on Sunday morning.
I started a new tradition this year which I was really excited about. A couple from church told me about it and gave me a book called Christmas Jars. It was a great thing for me and I can't wait to continue the tradition year after year. If you want to know more than that, you have to read the book. You'll want to do it too!
Today, I had a youth event. It was actually a girl's day- It's All About You! We spent the morning focusing on the friends and people who influence us. We looked at whether they were a positive influence- a Barnabas, Silas, or Timothy in our lives (a mentor, peer, or person we mentor). This afternoon, we talked about guys, relationships, and our self image. We had a lot of great discussion and I didn't even show half of the video clips I had because we were so busy talking! How is it that God has given me the gift of letting these girls trust me with such discussions? I am humbled to be a leader for things like this. And, I am grateful. The day was long and the topics were at times intense. But, it all went well even though I didn't feel as prepared as I could have been. Of course, I had more info than needed and I knew God would lead me through the day so I had nothing to worry about.
All in all, even though I spent a few days whining-alot!- I have spent the last couple weeks feeling very blessed, very loved, and seeing God in so many new and wonderful ways. As we celebrate His birth and look ahead to a new year, I hope you can say the same.
Blessings,
Jennifer
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